Things to do in Hohenschwangau in December

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Overview

December is a less popular time to visit Hohenschwangau. The weather is usually really cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 22—35°F (-5—2°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Hohenschwangau during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a scenic drive along the Romantic Road, visit the Museum of the Bavarian Kings, go on a winter hike in the Bavarian Alps, and more!

Hohenschwangau has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your December trip to Hohenschwangau. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to December. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Hohenschwangau in December. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout December, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Hohenschwangau in December

Top experiences in December
Take a scenic drive along the Romantic Road
Embark on a picturesque drive along the Romantic Road, a famous scenic route that winds through charming Bavarian villages, historic towns, and stunning countryside. In December, the road is adorned with festive decorations, twinkling lights, and Christmas markets, creating a truly enchanting experience. Stop along the way to explore medieval castles, visit historic landmarks, and soak in the beauty of the Bavarian landscape.
Visit the Museum of the Bavarian Kings
Learn about the history of the Bavarian royal family and the region's rich cultural heritage at the Museum of the Bavarian Kings. The museum's exhibits showcase royal artifacts, historical documents, and interactive displays that provide insight into the lives of Bavarian monarchs. It's a fascinating and educational experience that offers a deeper understanding of the area's royal legacy.
Go on a winter hike in the Bavarian Alps
Bundle up and explore the winter wonderland of the Bavarian Alps on a scenic hike. The snow-covered trails offer breathtaking views of the mountains, forests, and valleys. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, there are trails for every skill level. Don't forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning winter landscapes.
Visit Neuschwanstein Castle at night
In December, Neuschwanstein Castle is beautifully illuminated with festive lights, creating a magical and enchanting atmosphere. The castle's stunning architecture and the surrounding snow-covered landscape make for a truly unforgettable experience. Take a guided tour to learn about the history and legends of this iconic Bavarian landmark.
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered countryside
Experience the winter wonderland of Hohenschwangau from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Snuggle up under warm blankets as you travel through the picturesque landscape, passing by charming villages, forests, and fields blanketed in snow. It's a romantic and nostalgic way to explore the region and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Sample traditional Bavarian Christmas treats at a local bakery
Indulge in the delicious flavors of the holiday season by visiting a local bakery and trying traditional Bavarian Christmas treats. From gingerbread cookies and stollen to fruitcakes and marzipan, there's a wide variety of festive sweets to enjoy. Pair them with a warm cup of glühwein (mulled wine) for the ultimate holiday treat.
Go ice skating on Alpsee Lake
In December, Alpsee Lake freezes over, providing the perfect opportunity for ice skating. Glide across the smooth, glistening ice surrounded by the snow-capped mountains and the stunning Neuschwanstein Castle. It's a magical experience that allows you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the Bavarian Alps.
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Holidays in Hohenschwangau in December
December
  • Saint Nicholas Day (December 6)
  • Second Advent Sunday (December 7)
  • Third Advent Sunday (December 14)
  • Fourth Advent Sunday (December 21)
  • Christmas Day (December 25)
  • Boxing Day (December 26)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Hohenschwangau in December

Temperatures on an average day in Hohenschwangau in December

The average temperature in Hohenschwangau in December for a typical day ranges from a high of 35°F (2°C) to a low of 22°F (-5°C). Some would describe the temperature to be really cold. The general area may also feel breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Hohenschwangau, August, has days with highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 51°F (11°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 32°F (0°C) and lows of 19°F (-7°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Hohenschwangau in December based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in December
35°F
highs
22°F
lows

General weather summary

Really cold, breezy
Feels like
42%
Chance of rain
0.165 in
Amount
11.5 mph
Wind speed
81%
Humidity
8.5 hrs
Daylight length
7:55 AM
Sunrise
4:27 PM
Sunset
39%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in December
With an average high of 35°F (2°C) and a low of 22°F (-5°C), it generally feels really cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket and remember to bring an umbrella
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Best attractions for Hohenschwangau in December

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Hohenschwangau has to offer for travelers in December, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Hohenschwangau that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Hohenschwangau for December.
Neuschwanstein Castle
1. Neuschwanstein Castle
4.6
(107842)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Turreted, 19th-century, hilltop castle built for King Ludwig II, with tours of furnished rooms.
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🇩🇪 A Must-Visit in Germany: Neuschwanstein Castle If you’re planning a trip to Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle is an absolute must-see. Perched on a hill in Bavaria, it looks like something straight out of a fairytale — and it’s no wonder it inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle! There are two main options to reach the castle from the ticket center: 🚌 By shuttle bus 🐎 By horse-drawn carriage For the return journey, you can use the same options or do what we did — walk back down. It’s about a 15–20 minute walk, and totally worth it for the scenic route and peaceful forest atmosphere. One of the highlights of our visit was Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge). From here, you get a stunning panoramic view of the entire castle — definitely postcard-perfect! We chose not to go inside the castle and instead spent our time enjoying the breathtaking views and the fairytale ambiance from the outside. It was still a truly magical experience. 🛍️ There’s a souvenir shop on site with some nice mementos. ☕ Unfortunately, the café was closed during our visit. 🚗 Parking is available, though a bit pricey if you’re only staying for a short time. Overall: A memorable and highly recommended experience!
The castle location is so beautiful. It is a treat for the sight just to hike towards the castle that is surrounded by bavarian alps. The guided tour, on the other hand is rather short (only 30min). The rooms are accessible only by lots of stairs and no photography is allowed. Only 14 castle rooms were furnished. Furthermore during our visit the cafe was also closed. This was a bummer since the ticket is so expensive for 23euros per person. Furthermore even though young kids are allowed inside the castle for free they need their own ticket and it can't be booked online. The ticket we got got our toddler from the information booth did not have a scan code and my daughter could not get inside so i had to run to fund security to let her inside. The security guide solved the issue quickly though. The point is that the ticket handling system must be more organized and improved upon. On the other hand, the cave room, singers room and the balcony were breath taking so the hassle was kind of worth it. The ticket price should be reduced though. I would say overall it was a very pleasant experience.
A real-life Disney castle — but truly so much more than that! ✨ I still couldn’t get enough of this place. Every corner feels like stepping into a fairytale. The guided tour is a must — make sure to book it early, as tickets sell out fast. No photos are allowed inside, but it’s absolutely worth it. Each room reflects incredible richness, elegance, and the artistic soul of King Ludwig II — his passion for theatre, music, and beauty shines through every detail. It’s about a 20-minute walk uphill from the ticket area, but they also offer bus services (check the timings!) and horse-drawn carriage rides for a more scenic way up. The path is a bit steep, but once you reach the top, the view and the castle itself make every step worth it. King Ludwig II was truly a dreamer — and walking through his creation feels like walking inside his imagination. Go see it — it’s magical, surreal, and simply unforgettable. 🌄💙
The castle is located in a beautiful setting. Tickets may be bought online or in person (reservation recommended for peak season). There’s free shuttle from downtown Füssen to the ticket center. There’s plenty of paid parking. To get up to the castle you may hire a chariot or walk up for 30-40 minutes. The scenery is beautiful and it is worth the walk. During summer the path is shaded by the threes. Inside the castle there’s plenty of stairs to go up. I advise looking up if it is wheelchair accessible.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5-Star Review – Neuschwanstein Castle Parking at Platz 4 is very spacious and costs €12 for 6 hours, conveniently located right next to where you catch the bus up to the castle. The bus fare is €5 per adult round trip, and it’s a smooth ride with beautiful scenery along the way. At the top, the area is clear and open, perfect for walking or biking with stunning views all around. The trails are beautiful, offering several photo spots and breathtaking panoramas of the castle and the valley below. There’s also a small snack and souvenir shop at the top with plenty of space and clean bathrooms, making it an easy and comfortable stop before or after exploring. Overall, Neuschwanstein Castle is a magical experience — well worth the visit and the walk. The scenery alone makes it unforgettable!
When near Fussen and Schwangau Neuschwanstein Castle is a must. A beautiful 40 minute uphill walk will bring you there. You can take a shuttle or horse and buggy but the walk is doable if you like and are used to walking/hiking. We did not pay to go in but got good photos from many vantage points outside.
You won't regret visiting here. It's beautiful on the outside but absolutely gorgeous on the inside. If you have trouble walking, definitely take the horse carriage up and/or down (costs money). The walk down is much easier. They have the cutest store after the tour and don't forget to check out the view outside near the bathrooms before leaving. You will not regret it!!
Absolutely breathtaking and immersive. The hike up is beautiful and you can take your time just enjoying the scenery. Plenty of photo opportunities outside of the castle, but no pictures inside until you get to the cafe.
Hohenschwangau Castle
2. Hohenschwangau Castle
4.6
(36670)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
New Gothic style castle, summer residence of King Ludwig II, with ornately furnished state rooms.
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The castle is truly beautiful, offering picturesque views from a distance that allow you to capture its full grandeur. I recommend purchasing tickets online to save time. While photography is not permitted inside the castle, I believe the tour could be enhanced with more detailed information and exhibits about its history. In my opinion, the exterior of the castle is even more captivating than the interior tour. Overall, it was a good place to visit.
Definitely a must see castle. The grounds and the views are amazing. Unfortunately you cannot take photos of the interior. But nonetheless the interior doesn't disappoint either. I recommend that you get your ticket and tour time set up online. It definitely makes things easier. There are a few restaurants around the castle that have great food. Plus souvenir shoppes too.
Just a short 30-minute walk from the world-famous Neuschwanstein lies Schloss Hohenschwangau, and we can genuinely recommend adding it to your visit. While Neuschwanstein often gets most of the attention, Hohenschwangau has a charm and authenticity all of its own. Set against rolling hills, peaceful forests, and a beautiful lake, the castle feels more intimate and lived-in, offering a fascinating contrast to King Ludwig II’s fairytale creation. Tickets can be bought in advance—something we recommend, especially during busier months—and guided tours are offered in several languages. The tour provides wonderful insight into the history of the Bavarian royal family and the important role this castle played in Ludwig’s childhood. Many rooms remain furnished just as they were, which makes the visit feel historically rich and surprisingly personal. Even if you decide not to join a tour, the area around Schloss Hohenschwangau is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The paths are easy to navigate, and the views of the lake and surrounding mountains are incredibly beautiful. It’s a calm and charming place to unwind, especially after the more intense and crowded experience of Neuschwanstein. Overall, we found Schloss Hohenschwangau to be a beautiful and worthwhile addition to the day—less crowded, full of history, and surrounded by stunning scenery. If you’re already in the area, it’s absolutely worth visiting both castles to get the full experience of this remarkable region.
Nice hike up, but not too difficult. The audio guide was really informative and the castle was beautiful. Such a great place to visit!
I visited a lot of Ludwig’s castles and this one isn’t the most spectacular per se but it is a must see specially if you’re interested in his history. This is where he grew up and where his parents lived. The castle has a lot of history that you can learn during your visit. The visit is made with a guide but you have an audio guide in your own language during the tour. It is activated in each room by the guide and lasts a few minutes. Our tour guide was young lady with dark hair. I don’t remember her name but she was one of the best guides I’ve encountered in a museum. She was lovely, smiling, added additional informations during our visit and was gentle. We had a great time visiting the castle thanks to her. You can also visit the gardens for free if you want but you have to book a ticket to see the inside. Also up here you get a nice view over the Neuschwanstein.
Overall, visiting Hohenschwangau Castle is one of the must do things for any tourist in the area. Personally my visit was both meaningful and enjoyable. The scenery was beautiful, the history fascinating and the atmosphere peaceful. It offered a valuable look into the roots of Ludwig II’s life and imagination, making it a visit worth remembering. On a side note, it’s recommended to book in advance, park your car in parking number 4 and keep in mind that only guided tours are offered inside as well as that picture and videos aren’t allowed.
Even tough it's not probably as nice as Neuschwanstein I really enjoyed being inside and especially a look through the window at the end of the tour. Around the castle there are food stands where you can enjoy a hot chilly and some sausage with drinks.
I visited the yellow castle since the smaller white one was sold out. I was blown away by how amazing the artwork is within. It's unfortunate that pictures aren't allowed inside considering how inspiring the story was. I'd suggest that more people book the yellow castle to see and learn about the old rulers.
Museum of the Bavarian Kings
3. Museum of the Bavarian Kings
4.3
(1268)
History museum
Museums
Museum spotlighting the royal Wittelsbach family, especially King Maximilian II & King Ludwig II.
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🏰✨ Museum of the Bavarian Kings, Hohenschwangau If you have the time, visit this museum first. It is an educational and inspiring place that opens the path to discovering Ludwig II’s castles and the treasures of Bavaria 🌿. Everything else can come afterwards – the museum provides the context that makes your visit to Neuschwanstein, Linderhof, or the “Little Versailles” even more meaningful. Highlights include: • Insight into Ludwig II, his family, education, and the opportunities he had. • Surprising historical connections, like his relation to Empress Sisi. • A calm and harmonious space where history and art can be absorbed, preparing you for the castles themselves. • Audio guide offering detailed explanations, giving every part of the exhibition deeper significance. 💫 Verdict: This is not just a historical museum – it is a place that educates, inspires, and prepares visitors to explore the beauty and dreams of Ludwig II. If you give it time, it becomes a doorway into understanding the man who built castles as stone diaries of his ideals.
a Museum of 2 floors following the story of King Max 2 and Ludwig 2 with highlights from their life achievements. a hall with golden collectibles is the main room, then a room with story of the bavarian kings, then you finish the round with the last bavarian prince and his impact on Munich and bavaria till the 50's. i took it as part of the combi ticket. visit duration 1.5 Hrs max.
It is what the name meant. I didn’t like it because the order of the pictures and stories in the audio guide wasn’t ordered properly according to date. You can see many times the next person is older than the person
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings (Museum der Bayerischen Könige) offers a well-curated, modern look into the legacy of the Wittelsbach dynasty, one of Europe’s oldest ruling families. Located on the shores of the Alpsee in Hohenschwangau, the museum traces the lineage from medieval dukes to King Ludwig II, with a strong focus on his life, myth, and the construction of Neuschwanstein. Interactive displays, personal artifacts, and multimedia installations bring the royal narrative to life without feeling overwhelming. The museum’s architecture blends historic and contemporary design; a worthwhile visit before or after exploring the nearby castles.
Beautiful Exterior, Disappointing Interior – Not Worth the €21 Ticket The castle’s exterior is absolutely breathtaking, offering stunning views that are worth billions. Ludwig II truly had a remarkable vision for architecture, creating something out of a fairy tale. However, the guided tour inside was quite underwhelming. The ticket price of €21 felt excessive for what was on display. It seems the owners are aware of this, as they strictly prohibit photography inside. In all honesty, if visitors saw what was inside beforehand, many might reconsider paying for the tour. Compared to Ludwig II’s incredible design sense, his parents’ interior décor choices were far less impressive. If you visit, I highly recommend enjoying the castle from the outside—it’s truly the highlight of the experience! “Bavaria is Germany’s treasure trove.”
The Museum of the Bavarian Kings is a beautifully presented look into Bavaria’s royal history. Located right by the lake in Hohenschwangau, the setting is stunning and adds to the experience. The exhibits are well organized and informative, offering an engaging story of the Wittelsbach family and their legacy, including King Ludwig II. The displays are modern and interactive, with detailed explanations in both German and English, making it easy to follow even if you’re not fluent in German. The only downside is that the museum is a bit smaller than expected, so you can walk through it fairly quickly. Still, the quality of the exhibits, the breathtaking views of the lake and Neuschwanstein Castle, and the calm atmosphere make it well worth a visit. It’s a great stop before or after exploring the castles, and a solid choice for anyone interested in Bavarian history.
A museum about the history of the royalty in Bavaria. You can learn a lot more about Ludwig II for example and his works like the Neuschwanstein nearby. But also older history and more recent ones too. The museum is really interesting if you want to educate yourself and see historical artefacts. You also have an audio guide which is helpful for the visit. But you can also find plenty of information in English if you want to read additional informations. The museum isn’t really big but you can easily spend an hour inside. However you’re not allowed to take pictures which was a bit disappointing.
Very informative. Oddly there are no pictures allowed. Friendly staff. Nice little gift shop. Skip the castle tours and come here instead; all the same info without the hassle.
Alpseebad Hohenschwangau
4. Alpseebad Hohenschwangau
4.6
(394)
Swimming lake
Outdoor Activities
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The place is wonderful. It worth a visit . The view was amazing
Great place to swim after visiting the castles! The dock is great and the water is so clear! Staff was also very friendly!
Amazing little find, a great stop over. Good place to get into water. Wish I had known before would have got the swim wear, clean toilets, drinks hot and cold and few chips etc. Very nice and friendly service.
Super friendly staff and for 3 euro you get beautiful views a nice sock to swim in the lake. Great value for a sunny afternoon activity
3.5 euro for adult entry and 2 euro for for kid. Great spot with a few snacks and drinks for purchase, toilet and changing rooms. Clean fresh water with a dock and great views.
Best Summer weekend spot to spend
Amaizing Summer days. Must go in the morning to avoid crowds.
It was closed today, but there were no information about it on the main door or on Google Maps.
Tandem Kurt Paragleiten Tandemflug|Montafon|Vorarlberg|Österreich
5. Tandem Kurt Paragleiten Tandemflug|Montafon|Vorarlberg|Österreich
4.8
(295)
Flight school
Tours
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Wonderful experience with an experienced expert Kurt. Kurt explained everything before the flight. I felt safe and it was fun. Thumbs up :-)
If I could give "-5 stars", I would. Kurt does not care about time of his potential clients and show zero respect to them. He did not bother to inform us about unsuitable weather conditions as soon as he new about it. We were on time at the pre-agreed meeting point, but he did not show up. Only after we called him, he told that he is in a restaurant just after the corner. It looked like he was sitting there with his friends, eating and drinking for at least one hour alredy. And he new that the flight will not take place. When I asked him, why he did not inform us on time, his answer was that he doesn not have contact ditails of his clients with him. Really, Mr Kurt? I found it rediculously disrespectfull.
It was wonderful experience to fly with Tandem Kurt. Instructors are very profesional and nice people. I can only recommend. The view from heights in Motafon is breathtaking. Received photos and videos are of very good quality. I wish to come again.
The tandem jump I made with Tandem Kurt Paragleiten was an amazing experience. The instructors are very professional and the service is great. I would definitely go back and do it all over again some day and I would highly recommend them to anyone!!
Wonderful people (pilots), who make you very at ease. Good flights, for me and the kids. The spiral trick was almost too much for me, but Sven stopped at the right moment :-). Nice pictures and videos received
Super! Beautiful flight and easy experience. Thank you Kurt!
(Translated by Google) We are totally thrilled! The organization was great! Our pilot Markus was extremely friendly and you felt very, very safe with him throughout the entire flight. A 10/10 (Original) Wir sind total begeistert! Die Organisation war super! Unser Flieger Markus war extrem freundlich und man hatte ein sehr, sehr sicheres Gefühl mit ihm während des gesamten Fluges. Eine 10/10
(Translated by Google) 100% recommendation We had our flight yesterday, and it was fantastic! Everything was superbly organized, and all our questions were answered in advance. Everything was explained very well and clearly, so that by the end of the day, we felt the cable car ride was the "worst" part of the day. Our pilot was very nice and funny, and we never felt unsafe during the flight. It was a truly amazing experience that we think everyone should try at least once :D (Original) Weiterempfehlung zu 100% Wir hatten gestern unseren Flug und es war großartig! Alles war super organisiert und auf alle Fragen wurde vorab eingegangen. Alles wurde sehr gut und verständlich erklärt, so dass wir zum Ende des Tages die Seilbahn-Fahrt als das „Schlimmste“ an diesem Tag empfanden. Unser Pilot war sehr nett und witzig und während des Fluges kam nie das Gefühl von Unsicherheit auf. Es war ein sehr tolles Erlebnis, das wie wir finden, jeder mal machen sollte :D
Information point Hohenschwangau
6. Information point Hohenschwangau
4.2
(810)
Tourist information center
Coin operated locker
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You can take a bus from Füssen to here. The buses ran quiet frequently, as I remember. You can either walk up to the mountain to see the castles or decide to pay to use the horse carriage. There are also many restaurants and souvenir shops, so you can have a snack or meal before/after visiting the castles.
After making a long journey from Canada to visit this beautiful area, I stopped in here and was subjected to a very grumpy older man working behind desk. I'm hoping he was just having a bad day and doesn't speak to everyone in this manner and tone. We come from a tourist destination that gets 13 million visitors annually so I do know alot about proper customer service. I will use Google to get my information. Google is nice to me. The only reason for the 2 stars is he did answer my question.
Very unkind attitude from womenntoday, 13.08.2024. Her answer to a simple question about possible people amount or waiting time for shuttle bus was - Hi! Im here, not at bus station. You have to go and check it! I guess that if you work here as tourist assistance you could know aprrox. what is what! Transport and pedestrian orhanization there at main road ring was terrible and dangerous. There are no crosswalks and every are driving and walking as they want and understand! It is street not some parking or living area.
Füssen to hear and opposite good for walk tour and you've 2 famous castle also car parking
An unfriendly man at the information desk convinced us that the castle was closed and that we should come back tomorrow (which was impossible). Because of that, we missed the last bus and ended up paying for parking twice for nothing. Next time, I’d rather ask ChatGPT or passersby.
One of the bus driver should understand why the price of 4 persons of downhill is 2x4=8, not 10. Unfortunately he never listened to my calculation. Dear visitors, please prepare coins not to face this case again.
Waiting area for Bus and WC 🚻 facility. Casle tickets are not sold here you can buy souvenir around. Casle tickets are sold 250 meters in separate office this office gives tourist information.
Too many people in lines, reserved tickets also need to be paid extra to pick - after standing in lines (relatively shorter waiting though)
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